House Bill 541

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-21-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF MUNICIPALITIES TO PROVIDE ON-DUTY POLICE OFFICERS WITH CAMERAS THAT ARE TO BE WORN ON THE UNIFORMS OF THE OFFICERS; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR POLICE OFFICERS WHO FAIL TO WEAR SUCH CAMERAS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 21-21-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

21-21-3. (1) The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power and authority to employ, regulate and support a sufficient police force or night marshals, to define the duties thereof, and to furnish and supply all suitable and necessary equipment * * * ~~therefor~~, which shall include the equipment described under subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The governing authorities of municipalities shall provide all police officers while they are on patrol with video cameras that also have audio which shall be worn on the uniforms of the officers.

(3) If any police officer fails to wear a video camera that also has audio while on duty, as required by this section, then the officer shall be subject to the penalties prescribed under Section 2 of this act.

SECTION 2. Any police officer who fails to wear a video camera that also has audio on his or her uniform, as required by Section 21-21-3, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, or both.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.